I recently bought an old two-story house, and I'm dealing with a bit of a disaster: the banister is broken. Specifically, the anchor nail that connects the banister to the wall on the second floor has popped out through the top of the banister wood. Is there any way to fix this, or is it a lost cause?
3 Answers
You can definitely fix a broken banister! Since the anchor nail broke through the wood, you'll want to first get a good wood glue or epoxy to reinforce the area. Then, you can either drive a new nail or screw into the banister after ensuring it's aligned properly. Sanding down any splinters and repainting or staining might be necessary afterwards to make it look nice and clean. Just take your time with it!
I've had similar issues. Sometimes, using a hidden bracket can help provide more support. You attach the bracket to the wall and banister, giving it a sturdier hold. Just make sure it’s not visible if aesthetics are important to you!
If you're not comfortable with DIY repairs, I recommend calling a local handyman. They're usually pretty good with repairs like this and can make sure everything is safe and secure. Plus, they may have some tricks to make it look brand new!
That's great advice! If the wood is too damaged, you might also consider adding a wooden dowel for extra support.